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Topic: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns (Read 61333 times)

"Amn-Alrhed! You look well this morning." Rhen moved to within an arm's reach of the merchant.

"It seems we're still waiting on the half-elf to arrive. Do you wish to wait for him? You said yesterday you've made this journey many times, so you know the dangers of the trek. While an additional pair of hands may come in handy, it means another mouth to feed in a desert of scarce resources. But I know you'll make the right decision, sir."

"I have a feeling that our friend may have met some misfortune. If not, I'm sure he'll be able to catch up to us. We should be leaving in just a moment. So, if you'll finish any business that you have, we'll get on our way."

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

Xanathur quickly slung his newly strung bow over his shoulder. He gathered up the rest of his equipment and stowed it as well. "Let us be off then before the suns reach their peak. Now the open wastes await promising danger and adventure just the way I love it."

Logged

Those who walk the shadows, tread a very narrow path between darkness and light. This path will reveal all.

Rhen returned to his perch on the merchant's wagon, facing rearward. After checking and cleaning his swords, the ranger strung his longbow and laid it upon his lap. Shifting his hood to shelter his face from the suns, Rhen prepared for the journey ahead.

The caravan trundled out towards Herolty's main gate. The wagons and pack animals fell into practiced step as they made their slow way out. If the whole journey was made at this pace, it would be a long, slow trip. The streets were bustling with activity before the suns rose too high, but the caravan made very little impact on the crowds. Apparently the sight was not a new one to the people.

Hours of travel later, under the seven scorching suns, the caravan was still rambling its way out into the desert. The hard packed streets had given way to shifting sands. Every few hours, they would stop and Amn-Alrhed's steward would take measurements from the suns and then adjust their course suitably. Finally, as the suns began to set into the sandy horizon, the caravan pulled to one last stop and people began to scurry around to prepare for the night.

Amn-Alrhed approached the hired guards. Pointing to a high dune off to one side, he said, "You can begin to earn your pay. I don't like the idea that I can't see what might be on the other side. Go and see for me."

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

"As you say, sir. Come along fellows."Xanathur pulled out his longbow and adjusted his quiver. Each of his arrows would have to be in their place if they met trouble. He took off at a quickening pace towards the dune. Striding at first but as he neared it he began to sprint. He was eager as the merchant to know that they were not followed or about to be ambushed by something unfriendly.

Logged

Those who walk the shadows, tread a very narrow path between darkness and light. This path will reveal all.

"Fool..." Rhen wanted to take time to survey the surrounding terrain, to search for cover, should, in the off chance, anything was following the caravan this close to the town. The ranger doubted any threats lay on the other side of the hill; raiders would wait for the suns and weariness to drain the fight out of the guards. But creatures of the desert were always a problem, so securing the hill, and the all-around view it provided, seemed prudent.

Rhen glanced to either side of the dune, searching for rocks or crevices to provide cover. He would head toward whichever side of the dune would conceal him the most.

"Let's make sure he doesn't kill himself. I suggest letting him draw the attention of anything that awaits on the other side." He started off, readying his bow, and staying a healthy distance to the side of the bumbling fighter. Skill Check: Hide [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15[/blockquote]Skill Check: Spot [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24[/blockquote]

Ss'kerswihpp moved steadily, despite the loose sand, thanks to his naturally wide feet. He moved up the left side of the dune, bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. His eyes were on constant lookout, and he was instinctively ready to hide as soon as a threat was apparent.

Rhen was the first to see it. Squatted on its haunches on the other side of the dune was a hulking canine beast, as large as a pony. It was covered in shaggy tan fur, a perfect camouflage against the sand, and sported large, sharp teeth. It's ears were upright and its body completely still, listening to the sounds of horses and camels on the other side of the dune. Rhen easily recognized it as one of the jackals, scavengers of the waste, but this one was bigger than any he had seen before. Despite his attempts to stay hidden, the great beast saw Rhen and turned towards him, drawing its lips back in a snarl.

Lem rounded the dune close on Xanathur's heels. They both spotted the jackal as it turned towards Rhen where he stood opposite them.

Ss'kerswihpp crested the dune at almost the same moment. The jackal was surrounded, but either did not notice, or did not care.

The initiative order is:RhenThe JackalSs'kerswihppXanathurLem

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

Staring into the eyes of the jackal, Rhen knew he was spotted. At first, the ranger wasn't worried upon recognizing the beast. As scavengers, jackals usually hunted in packs, attacking prey smaller than themselves or feeding on the carcesses of other kills. They scared easy when confronted with force or numbers, but Rhen's fears grew when the creature growled, unafraid. For what would a creature of this size fear? And jackals rarely hunted alone, so this beast would have no problem cowling several others into it's pack.

Rhen quickly glanced around, searching for other jackals that may be hidden in the sand. But even if he found any, this monster had to be the first to go down. Any other smaller animals would flee if their alpha was killed, or at least that's what Rhen hoped.

Nocking and drawing his bow, the ranger stood in place, and loosed the shaft, aiming for the creature's lower neck. He then crouched, his hand diving into the quiver to draw another arrow. His eyes darted around, his legs coiled and ready to spring to avert danger.Ranged attack: Longbow [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12[/blockquote]Skill Check: Spot [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25[/blockquote]

Rhen's quick glance did not reveal any more lurking canines. His arrow fared similarly, for, despite its bulk, the jackal dodged nimbly out of the path or the projectile. Moving swiftly, the great jackal ran towards Rhen, teeth snapping at the ranger's throat. Thankfully, none of the teeth found their marks, but the jackal tensed to spring again.

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

Xanathur swiftly notched an arrow. He drew the string back to his cheek and took aim at the beast. A shot straight to the base of its neck from behind should do some damage. He breathed in and released the arrow, knowing that it would fly true.

Logged

Those who walk the shadows, tread a very narrow path between darkness and light. This path will reveal all.

Lem did not have have a bow, which was just as well because he would prefer to hit things with it than use it effectively. Shifting the weight of his mighty axe Lem charged directly at it, hacking with all his force once it was in range.

Logged

Ph'nglui mglwnafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

(\__/) This is The Bunny.(='.'=) Add him to your signature like me(")_(") to further his world domination.

Xanathur's arrow flew through the air and lodged itself in the jackal's shoulder. But the wound was not deep and the beast seemed more angry than hurt. Lem's charge was less effective. His swing missed by a good foot and the jackal turned towards him, lips pulled into a snarl.

New round, same order as before. Lem is standing just in front of the jackal, Xanathur and Rhen are opposite each other with the jackal in between, and Ss'ker is on top of the dune.

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

Rhen's first blow struck home, but his second went far to the side. The blade left a long crimson streak on the jackal's side, and blood trickled out to splash on the sand. Th jackal snarled at Rhen and lunged for his throat. Despite the ranger's efforts, the beast found its mark, teeth sinking into the ranger's throat like daggers. Rhen managed to push the jackal off, but blood stained its teeth and pain seared through his neck.

Nasty bite, you're down to only a single hit point, Rhen.

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

Ss'kerswihpp saw Rhen nearly get his throat torn out and was suddenly very glad to not be on the receiving end on of the jackal's attacks. He drew another arrow and aimed for the jackal's body. Letting the arrow fly, he assured himself he would not be this beast's meal, even if his companions were.

Ss'kerswihpp's arrow caught the jackal by surprise. The arrow drove straight into the jackal's belly. It gave out a yelp of pain and pulled back. It moved warily, as if trying to get away from the chance of death.

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."

"Rhen, today will not be your last!" Xanathur roared. He tossed his bow onto the ground while simultaneously drawing his sword. He charged towards the beast with his glinting blade up high, hoping to catch the creatures attention.

Logged

Those who walk the shadows, tread a very narrow path between darkness and light. This path will reveal all.

Dropping his off-hand sword, Rhen clamped the hand on his neck, trying to stem the flow of his life blood. The ranger held his gem-studded blade before him, backing away from the dangerous beast and ready to counter an attack.

The jackal shied away from Xanathur's charge, but not enough to avoid Lem's blow. The halfling's war axe cleft into the beast's shoulder, almost severing its foreleg. The jackal whimpered once and fell in a heap on the ground, bleeding freely.

Rhen's blood seemed to grow sluggish as he kept pressure on his wound, but his head was still dull and fuzzy through the pain. Everything seemed quiet in the absence of threat.

Logged

"And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, or the temples of his gods."